The Queen's Awards Magazine 2021

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Johnstons of Elgin

Luxury textilemanufacturers Johnstons of Elgin have worked with the world’s most beautiful natural, renewable, biodegradable fibres since 1797, creating the highest quality cashmere andwoollen clothing, knitwear, accessories and home interiors designs. The brand continually strives to reduce its environmental footprint – an effort recognised by its recent Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category. CEO Simon Cotton explains: “When we talk about sustainability at Johnstons of Elgin, we try to cover every aspect of our product’s life and truly value every thread. Throughout our 224-year history we have stayed true to this ethos through animal welfare initiatives, grassland preservation, fair work, reducing manufacturing waste and so much more. “The reduction of waste and regeneration of resources is inherent to our business, and receiving The Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development coincides with a significant period for Johnstons of Elgin as we prepare to launch our future sustainability goals. “It is with enormous pride that we have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen for our commitment to sustainable development. We

minimise waste, while the brand as a whole is on a pathway to carbon neutrality. Its skilled craftspeople handle fibres gently and only use dyes and chemicals on the approved list of the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) programme. Johnstons of Elgin now exports to 65 countries and employs 900 people at its Elgin and Hawick mills. Its exquisite, timeless designs are investment pieces intended to last for many years. These luxurious products can be worn and loved now, then passed down through generations.

JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN Newmill, Elgin, Moray, Scotland IV30 4AF www.johnstonsofelgin.com

recognise we are on a journey and our commitment to sustainability is unwavering.” Johnstons of Elgin operates the only vertical mill in Scotland – processing raw cashmere and fine woollen fibres right through to the finished product. The company is a founder member of the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA), a non-profit international organisation that works to sustain the pasture lands and welfare of animals in cashmere- producing regions, from herders to retailers. With its recently expanded EveryYarn range, Johnstons of Elgin creatively uses surplus materials to create stunning limited edition products and

Phoenix Health andWellbeing

Phoenix Health and Wellbeing is a social enterprise that provides counselling, acupuncture and massage therapies to roughly 400 people per year who have chronic health issues and low incomes. The support is funded by providing the same services to the general public, as well as workplace wellbeing services to employers. The public and employers pay the market rate, with proceeds going to the charitable fund. The Queen’s Award judges were particularly impressed with the innovative business plan delivering sustainable wellbeing services, as well as the organisation’s response to supporting vulnerable adults during the current pandemic. Director Gill Trevor explains: “We are honoured to win this Award. As a charitable social enterprise for every £10 someone spends with us £4 goes towards funding treatments for people who couldn’t normally afford this support. We help people with depression and anxiety or physical conditions such as chronic pain, Parkinson’s disease and forms of cancer.” PHOENIX HEALTHANDWELLBEING 30 Park Place, Leeds LS1 2SP www.phoeinxhealthandwellbeing.org.uk

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